The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-09-22
kENNEBEc FAvoRITES.
Augusta Citizens Give Royal Welcome
to Veterans Of the Third.
The Old Soldiers Select Their Memo
rial Design for Gettysburg,
And are Escorted TO a Banquet by a
Big Procession.

AUGUSTA, Sept. 2l.-Augusta was in gala
attire today in honor of the old Third Maine
Regiment which held its reunion here. The
streets were gay with bunting and the veter-
ans of this gallant regiment were Hospitality
received by our citizens. The familiar scenes
of reunion were everywhere visible, in
Guiding the solid grasp of the hand, the
hearty greeting, and cheerful, jolly de-
meanor.
The Third Maine was raised in the Ken
nebec valley, and was very dear to the peo-
pie of Augusta. When it marched forth
from its campground by the State House
June 4, 1861. under command of Col. o. o.
Howard, great throng accompanied it to
the station and bade the boys farewell. Col.
Fl. G. Staples of this city was shortly after
wards commissioned colonel, which place he
retained until July, 1868, when Col. NJ. B.
Lakeman took command, retaining it until
the regiment was mustered out. These
troops were attached to the Army Of the Po-
tomac throughout the war and fought in
nearly all its engagements.
In the Third Regiment 70 officers and en-
listed men were killed in action, 80 died of
wounds. and 115 died of disease, making the
total deaths 226.
Having faithfully filed the full measure of
its service, the regiment returned to Maine
and the members whose terms of service had
expired were mustered out of the United
States service in this city on the 2Sth day Of
June, 1864 Several members of the regi-
ment who had served two years re-enlisted
and went into the First Regiment Heavy
Artillery and were finally mustered out
Sept IL, 1866
Among the prominent members Of the as
sociation here today were Joseph S. Smith,
Bangor, president; A. S. Buswell, inspector
of Boston police; Col. M. B. Lakeman.
Walden, Mass. FL. N. Fairbanks. Col. Frank
d. Pullen, Frank w. Haskell, Bangor. All
the members residing in Bangor were in at
tendance.
After the arrival of the forenoon trains
the business meeting was opened in Grand
Army Hall and was called to order by Pres
ident Smith. The roll call showed the fol-
lowing attendance: Field, A staff, 4 Band,
Z; Co. A, 6; Co. B, II; Co. C, 16; Co. ID, s;
Co. E, 20; Co. f. 9; Co. g, 10; Co. H, IA;
Co. /. IL; Co. K, 6; Honorary Members, A
total, 135. Remarks were offered by Col. M.
B. Lakeman. A committee on nominations
was appointed, and the following nomina-
tions were offered to the meeting:
Presdent-Frank W. Haskell WatervIlle
Vice Presdents-Henry Penniman, Winthrop;
B. ID. Savage ii. g. Staples, Augusta.
Secretary--Wm. McD0yid, Augusta.
corresponding Secretary-Lewis Selbing, Au-
Treasurer-George S. Fuller, Hallowell.
Surgeon-Dr. Geo. Z. Brickett, Augusta.
II Nnufn .Nil q Macs
Executive Committee-Col. NJ. B. Lakeman,
Walden, Mass. II. N. Fairbanks, Bangor; John
Sanders, % % Auburn; " W. H. Higgins, Bath; Sss 6. s.
Johnson, Hallowell; II. A. N. Dutton, Windsor;
II. j. Goulding: Oakland; j. r. Day. Vassal-
Winthrop.
A committee on resolutions was selected
and the committee on badges reported that
1c0 had been called for and so more would
is very neat and pretty. 1t consists Of a red
celluloid diamond, on which is inscribed the
word "Kearney," which is suspended by a
blue ribbon from silver bar with the name
Of the regiment upon it,
At the adjournment of the forenoon meet
ing, the Gardiner band escorted the veterans
from their hall to the Augusta House for
dinner, and also on their return to the street
In the afternoon there was another session
in Grand Army Hall, and the comrades were
in the best of spirits, devoting most Of their
time to the consideration Of the Gettysburg
monument question. "A design was finally
accepted, the memorial not to cost over
$1,000. 1t will consist of granite shaft, IL
feet inches in height, feet square at the
base, and tapering upwards. 1t will rest
upon granite base, and be surmounted by
Third Corps badge in stone, 2 feet inches
square. The total height of the monument
will be 10 feet. 1t will be located at the ex-
treme left of the line of battle, as it was on
the I'd of July, the Third being stationed at
that point.
Tonight the city has been Illuminated and
salutes have been fired. At eight, the veter-
ans, escorted by the Capital Guards and Seth
Williams Post. marched to the hall where a
delicious banquet was served, plates being
laid for three hundred. Gov. Bodwell and
other distinguished gentlemen were present.
AT the dinner. President Smith presided.
Mayor Macomber welcomed the veterans
and Rev. Mr.. White offered prayer. Resolu-
tions reported by Comrade Fairbanks were
adopted. Capt. S. w. Lane officiated as
toastmaster. The speakers were Attorney
General Baker, Governor Bodwell, Judge
Whitehouse, Col. A. c. Hamlen, Herbert NJ.
Heath, Esq, Gen. H. M. Plaisted, Rev. G.
r. Palmer, Col. H. G. Staples and Mr.. How
ard Owen,